Research

Exactly why do African Americans, at only 14 percent of the U.S. population, account
for almost half the nation's AIDS cases? What explains why the Cyclin D1 protein is
so high in cancer cells? What is the relation between hypertension and oxidative stress
and race? The men and women of Meharry are always asking questions.

Sometimes they get answers.

If scientific research is in your DNA, you've come to the right place. Explore the
links below to meet our researchers and learn about their work, particularly as it
relates to minority populations.

The Center for Women's Health Research—In the 21st century, we are faced with incredible challenges regarding women's health,
particularly that of an expanding, culturally diverse community. The CWHR is dedicated
to conducting research on health issues that disproportionately affect women of color,
focusing scientists from many disciplines on the cellular, molecular, socio-behavioral,
and clinical aspects of women's health. Meet our staff and learn about our work.

The Center for AIDS Health Disparities Research—Before the 1980s no one had heard the terms HIV or AIDS, and the virus was an equal-opportunity
killer. Since then, however, African Americans have borne the brunt of new infections
in the U.S., as well as excessively higher death rates. According to the Centers for
Disease Control, black men accounted for 70% of the estimated new HIV infections in
the U.S. in 2009, and their rate of HIV infection was six and half times higher than
that of white males; more than two thirds of the women infected were African American.
The center conducts research and other scholarly activities designed to identify,
understand, and eliminate factors responsible for the profoundly disproportionate
burden of AIDS and HIV infection among minority populations in the United States.

The Center for Molecular and Behavioral Research—Sometimes called Meharry's Brain and Behavior Center, the center explores the brain
matter behind our behaviors. Using live imaging and observation of the brain's neurocircuitry,
the center examines activity related to decision-making and emotional response. Understanding
the actual workings of the brain may lead to treatments for drug dependence, Alzheimer's,
Parkinson's, school violence, and a host of other issues, both those perceived as
purely medical and those relegated to socio-political discussions. Read about studies now in the works.

Sickle Cell Center—What happens 6,000 times a year at Meharry? Blood testing for sickle cell disease.
Sickle cell disease is one of the earliest known blood disorders, one that affects
millions of people throughout the world, and, in the U.S., an estimated 90,000 African
Americans, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Meet the staff of the Sickle
Cell Center and read about its services.